Who We Are
What does a scientist look like to you?
When asked to draw a scientist, only 25 percent of 16-year-old girls draw a woman.
Conservation has an inclusion problem. The current structure of the profession makes it harder for people of color, Indigenous peoples, and women to get involved.
But we need diversity and inclusion to drive innovation. The earth is experiencing a biodiversity crisis, and we need to change now to save it.
Our work brings more people to the table, nurtures the diversity of the field, and drives novel thinking. The survival of thousands of species — including our own — hangs in the balance.
Our Vision
A thriving planet for people and wildlife sustained by an inclusive and growing network of conservationists.
Our Mission
To diversify the conservation movement by funding and supporting conservationists from underrepresented communities while educating and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
When a student, Ashley, was asked to draw a scientist at the end of a Conservation Nation education program, she drew herself – right down to her sneakers.
Our Why
More inclusion and diversity
More innovation and more solutions
Greater likelihood of solving biodiversity challenges
Safer and healthier planet
Our Approach
We are uniquely positioned to support conservationists from underrepresented communities by working with them throughout their development — from excited youth to experienced professionals. Our promotion of equity and inclusion in the conservation space will lead to a safer and healthier planet for all.
Our Programs
Conservation Nation Academy
Teen Leaders in Conservation
Field Trips
The Chrysalis Fund
The Collective
Fellowships
Grant Programs
Support
Conservationists
Conservationists
Help current conservationists from underrepresented groups thrive, lead, and stay in the field through funding, convening, mentoring, and professional development.
Provide Access
to Nature
to Nature
Give more children equitable access to experiences in nature to light a lifelong spark.
Lift Barriers
To Entry
To Entry
Lift the 'free' internship barrier, create connections and mentors that were previously out of reach, fund scholarships to budding conservationists.
Fuel Inspiration
And Confidence
And Confidence
Use relatable role models to inspire youth from underrepresented groups to see themselves as wildlife champions.
Here's how we do it
1
We gather the funding for grants, fellowships, professional development, paid internships and scholarships for wildlife-saving work.
2
We provide that funding to current and future conservationists from underrepresented communities.
3
We work with those conservationists to educate and inspire youth so that they can see themselves as conservation champions who might one day pursue STEM careers and jobs in the field.
4
We build a more diverse community of wildlife champions that helps save the planet’s delicate biodiversity.
How We're Making an Impact
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Our History
Conservation Nation launched with a mission to diversify the conservation movement by funding and supporting underrepresented communities and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders.
Our passionate team brings more than six decades of nonprofit management, wildlife conservation support, and environmental education programming experience.
Learn more about where we came from and the journey that brought us here.